CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF CHANNEL 25

W25AI is on the air! We first went on air on September 29, 1990, above a location called Dollar Bills Saloon.

Two shows made their debut. Our first program was called "Stump Stoney," hosted by Mark "Stoney" Shoner. Shortly after that, "Ask The Program Director" was shown, starring Bryan Hollon.

Live production began with a bang. Channel 25 introduced Rick Flynn to the public as the host of "New Year's Eve Special with Rick Flynn." The show was Channel 25's first live television production at Dollar Bills Saloon. Channel 25 also shot and televised the first-ever Cincinnati Cyclones hockey game in March 1991, using five cameras, and covered the implosion of Sanders Hall.

W25AI moved to a new location. First, Channel 25 relocated from a room above Dollar Bills Saloon to a 1,500-square-foot office space in Golf Manor. Shortly after that, the transmitter moved from above Dollar Bills Saloon in Clifton to the top of the Vernon Manor Hotel.

Marcus T. is In The House. Channel 25 produced the live show "In The House with Marcus T" in 1991. Featuring live phone-in callers, in-studio guests, and various music videos, Marcus T. Franklin hosted a show that became a Channel 25 cult hit. Channel 25 recorded over 100 episodes and syndicated the show to cities such as Philadelphia, where it ran for 24 hours straight in an "In The House" marathon!

Local events hit the air. In 1992, Channel 25 developed several relationships with other local media outlets. For example, Channel 25 aired a men's Xavier basketball game during primetime. Later that year, Channel 25 collaborated with Citicable to produce the annual "Findlay Market Parade" and "Riverfest."

W25AI started a relationship with WCPO. Channel 25 aired WCPO Channel 9's 6:00 PM newscast at 7:00 PM in exchange for space on WCPO's tower. W25AI relocated its antenna and transmitter to a new home with the assistance of local engineering legend Dave Schwarberg.

Cleveland Cavaliers on W25AI. In the fall of that same year, Channel 25 brought the NBA to Cincinnati's television audience.

Local shows are a focal point at W25AI. Channel 25 expanded its local programming with "Mad Dog TV with Mike Reddin" and the "Greater Cincinnati Business Review."

W25AI changed to WBQC. In March 1997, Channel 25 gained more recognition in the Cincinnati market after becoming a WB affiliate and airing the O.J. Simpson Trial.

WBQC introduced the baseball season. Continuing our efforts in live event production, Channel 25 successfully produced the Findlay Market Parade on the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day. Not only did Rick Flynn return to television for this event, but WLW's Andy Furman also joined him!

WB out. Local programming in. WB switched affiliations in several television markets, including Cincinnati, in late 1997. Channel 25 became an independent affiliate and started discussions with UPN. Meanwhile, Channel 25 introduced "Martial Arts Theater" with Rick Flynn, which began during the fall.

Martial Arts Theater became Rick Flynn Presents. To expand its audience, "Martial Arts Theater" changed its name to "Rick Flynn Presents" and began showcasing old B-movies, in addition to martial arts movies.

WBQC produced and televised the 1998 Brian Pillman Wrestling Memorial. Local event programming continued, with Channel 25 producing the "Findlay Market Parade" and the "1998 Brian Pillman Wrestling Memorial." The "Pillman Memorial" showcased Channel 25's ability to create live event production and post-production. Additionally, the "Pillman Memorial" was the first Channel 25 production to utilize non-linear video production. It also marked the return of wrestling to prime time on Cincinnati television.

The Friday Night Fu was born. After "Rick Flynn Presents" ended its run in the summer of 1998, Channel 25 rebooted "Martial Arts Theater" with local filmmaker David Cornelius as host. Soon after, Channel 25 rebranded "Martial Arts Theater" to "Friday Night Fu," with David Cornelius as Cap'n Dave, and the show staff became known as the Fu Crew. During the early seasons of "Fu," Channel 25 shot the show live-to-tape on Tuesday evenings and aired it on Friday nights at 11:00 PM, with occasional live shows on Friday nights. 

Channel 25 established an online presence. OneNet Communications became an online partner and web host of WBQC.com.

A new transmitter and a new affiliation. August 8, 1998. Channel 25 installed a new transmitter, which expanded its signal to more people in Cincinnati. Channel 25 became a UPN affiliate on its 7th anniversary, September 29, 1998.

WBQC Channel 25 aired a marathon of Star Trek: Voyager. It had been a year since Star Trek fans saw their favorite show. So, Channel 25 ran a Star Trek: Voyager marathon the weekend before UPN's new fall season launch, allowing Trekkies to catch up on what had happened in the previous season.

Scizone and Outdoor Connection launched. In addition to the "Friday Night Fu, "Channel 25 introduced the "Scizone with Bill Boshears" and the "Outdoor Connection." The "Scizone" explored things not of this world, while the "Outdoor Connection" explored things of this world.

Cap'n Dave was named the best local TV host. CityBeat Magazine named Cap'n Dave the best local TV host for the Friday Night Fu in their Best of Cincinnati issue. CityBeat also named WBQC Channel 25 as the best local station, which was not available on most cable systems.

Local programming changed. The Scizone and the Outdoor Connection had core audiences. However, it was time to shift focus. Keith Little's "Mr. Little's Hangout" introduced Cincinnati to the jazz community. As a one-time special, "The Al Beasley Show" elevated one-on-one talk shows to a new level, discussing life and politics with Rev. Leslie Isaiah Gaines.

B-movies were back. Channel 25 welcomed Rick Flynn back as the host of "Rick Flynn Presents." The show's format changed from a b-movie-hosted show to an open forum talk show about anything. Additionally, Channel 25 aired "B-Movie Theater," a local B-movie film produced by Lou Vockell.

WBQC Channel 25 advanced into the digital age. We upgraded our infrastructure and moved towards the digital age. We implemented a digital commercial spot insertion server and were the first station in Cincinnati to broadcast commercials digitally!

WBQC Channel 25 and NBC get together. In 1999, we carried NBC's 1999 French Open Men's Final, NBA Hoop-It-Up, Women's U.S. Open Final, Saturday Night Live, Sunset Beach, and The Profiler.

WBQC Channel 25 became the Official Kentucky Lottery station. To better serve our Kentucky viewers, we have struck a deal to become the exclusive source for the Kentucky Lottery.

WBQC Channel 25 helped the Flying Pig Marathon. WCPO broadcast the entire event and needed some extra shots. So when they needed a mobile mast camera, we answered the call.

WBQC Channel 25 expanded on cable. In addition to being placed on Lebanon, Ohio's new fiber optic cable system, Insight Communications, the second-largest cable provider in the area, added Channel 25 to its channel lineup.

The Fu returned. Cap'n Dave and the Fu Crew returned on Saturdays for the third season of The Fu.

WBQC Channel 25 partnered with Wifflepalooza. In August 2000, we sponsored the largest wiffleball tournament in the Midwest. We broadcast live from the event.

Time Warner added WBQC. Negotiations began with Time Warner Cable in the summer of 2001. As a result, Time Warner placed WBQC on their system from 6 PM to 11 PM on channel 20.

WBQC added to DirecTV. Can you see me now? That was the theme of the promotional campaign promoting WBQC Channel 25 on DirecTV 24/7.

The Big Quest X aired on Channel 25. In search of innovative local programming, WBQC televised the tenth edition of The Big Quest. The program aired over three consecutive Sunday nights and featured four teams racing throughout Cincinnati in a quest to defeat the GameMasters to become The Big Quest champion.

Adelphia Cable expanded WBQC on its entire cable system. As a result, more Adelphia customers could watch WBQC Channel 25.

America's Next Top Model casting call created a buzz. WIZ 100.9 FM and Club Ritz joined Channel 25 in search of women looking to become America's Next Top Model on UPN.

Lincoln Ware Live! on Sunday mornings. Lincoln Ware Live! premiered on October 20, 2003, and aired every Sunday at 10:00 AM. It was a live talk show forum hosted by radio talk show host Lincoln Ware.

Another Top Model Casting Call created more buzz. Q102, Barbizon Modeling, and Newport On The Levee introduced another casting call cycle.

More Power! WBQC increased its power for OTA viewers.

Suscom Cable added WBQC. The increased signal meant Suscom Cable subscribers in Indiana would get WBQC on their cable system.

Lincoln Ware Live! won an award. In addition, the local affairs program won a Community Broadcasters Association award, and we didn't have to pay off the judges.

Champboat Races, here we come. It had been over ten years since racing boats hit the Ohio River. WBQC hit the riverfront with live shows on Saturday and Sunday.

The Merger. In January 2006, CBS and Warner Bros. announced UPN and The WB would merge into a new network.

New digs for a new generation. On February 10, 2006, Block Broadcasting closed on its new home. The station relocated from a 3,000-square-foot building to a 17,000-square-foot facility with two spacious studios and ample room for growth.

Another Independence Day. On July 4, 2006, WBQC declared its independence from UPN and changed its branding to Independent Television Station.

Dove into local programming. On July 7, 2007, "Scizone with Bill Boshears" returned to local television on Saturday nights. "Friday Night Fu" returned on August 17, 2007. The Fu has a larger set and an expanded Fu crew. Seriously, everyone had gained weight since the Fu was on the air almost ten years ago.

A new network. On September 1, 2008, WBQC added AMGTV programming to its lineup, bringing fresh content to viewers. 

Lincoln Ware's achievement. October 2008. Lincoln Ware Live! celebrated its fifth anniversary.

WBQC changed to WKRP. The call letters remained the same, but the branding underwent a change. The WBQC brand changed to WKRP after the station secured two WKRP trademarks. Various national news outlets, including Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN, announced on their news ticker that WKRP was back on the air in Cincinnati.

Simulcast on two channels. WOTH-LP Channel 25 switched to digital WOTH-LD. December 1, 2008, marked the official week of WKRP on analog WBQC-CA channel 38 and WOTH-LD digital 25-2.

Local programming changes. "Lincoln Ware Live" ended after more than five years. The long-running local talk forum program aired its last show on January 4, 2009. In addition, "Scizone with Bill Boshears" changed its format due to the increasing interest in political theories and conspiracies rather than paranormal activities. The show's name changed to "About The News" and debuted at 7:30 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2009.

More multicast networks. On April 9, 2009, WKRP added Retro Television to channel 25-3 and Jewelry Television on channel 25-4. 

Conversion to digital. In August 2009, the station completed its conversion from analog to digital.

More programming changes. "About The News" ended its run on October 10, 2009. On October 17, 2009, a local horror movie show, "Frank Zito's Night of Frights," premiered on Saturday nights. Local reality show "NXS: Make Me A Host" premiered on October 24, 2009. 

WKRP said goodbye to three shows. "NXS: Make Me A Host" ended in January. March 19 was the final episode of the "Friday Night Fu," ending its three-season run. Finally, "Frank Zito's Night of Frights" ended after its one-season run the following week.

A new network and a new show. In March 2010, WKRP added Universal Sports to its channel lineup on 25-2. Additionally, the latest local show, "STUFF," premiered in the daily schedule. "STUFF" featured music videos, classic commercials, cartoons, and funny clips.

The Fu is back! "Friday Night Fu" returned to Prime Time in February 2011 for the "Friday Night Fu: 11-month Reunion Special" with a special live musical performance by Mad Anthony. 

WKRP welcomed This TV to the family. THIS TV replaced Universal Sports on 25.2 on January 1, 2012. The network soft-launched on Saturday, December 31, at 7:30 pm.

WKRP welcomed COZI to the family. The new network officially replaced Retro Television on 25.3 on January 1, 2013. COZI soft-launched on Monday, December 31, 2012, at 7:00 pm.

Downsized. We left the 17,000-square-foot facility in the summer of 2012.

Networks switched positions. January 2014. COZI moved to 25.1, and Retro moved to 25.3. 

WKRP welcomed SonLife to the family. The network launched on May 12, 2014, on 25.6.

A network changed its name. America One (25.5) became YouToo America.

WKRP welcomed Heartland to the family. The new network soft-launched on December 15, 2014, on 25.5.

Channel expansion. WKRP expanded its channel lineup on August 17, 2016. "Classics," a channel featuring randomly rotating classic movies, aired on 25.7. Additionally, historical episodes of the cult favorite, award-winning "Friday Night Fu" launched as "The Fu" on 25.8. 

WKRP welcomed Get TV to the family. April 11, 2017. Launched GET TV on 25.3. Retro Television moved to 25.8.  A new network and some changes. December 8, 2017. LIGHT TV launched on 25.5. HSN moved from WOTH 20.7 to 25.7. Evine moved from WOTH 20.8 to 25.8. 

End of an era. Sister station WOTH shut down on January 23, 2018. The next day, WKRP launched Movies! 20.1 (remapped from 47.9) and Heroes & Icons 20.4 (remapped from 47.10). On April 4, 2018, "Decades" launched on 20.2 (remapped from 47-11) and Quest on 20.3 (remapped from 47-12). 

The transmitter died. The date was August 17, 2019. Our new Anywave transmitter officially went online on August 22, 2019, at 12:00 am. 

A network rebranded itself. August 23, 2019. Evine rebranded to ShopHQ.

Expanded cable carriage. October 9, 2019. Cincinnati Bell launched four more of our channels on their cable system. 20.1 Movies! was on ch261. 20.2 Decades was on ch289. 20.3 Quest was on ch298. 20.4 H&I was on ch299.  

Changed frequencies. November 9, 2019. Completed the move to RF channel 28 for the FCC Repack.

The Big Guy passed away. Elliott Block, founder and "Godfather" of Low Power Television at Channel 25, passed away on November 25, 2019. 

WKRP Channel 25 had a new owner. Elliott Block's "Number Two" Matthew Gray became the new owner of Channel 25. Block hired Gray in 1997 as a Master Control Operator, who later advanced to Program Director and Station Manager.

WKRP Channel 25 added Start TV and changed its channel lineup. Heroes & Icons went to another local channel, and Start TV replaced it. Every subchannel moved to Channel 25, effective December 30, 2019. Start TV, Movies!, Decades, and Quest moved from channel 20 to 25.9-25.12, respectively.

The Grio replaced Light TV. Byron Allen acquired MGM's over-the-air broadcast television network, Light TV, and renamed it The Grio on January 15, 2021.

WKRP Channel 25 partnered with TV Masters. Effective February 1, 2022, TV Masters handled the acquisition, insertion, distribution, and signal monitoring for Channel 25.

WKRP Channel 25 installed a new GatesAir transmitter. The Mason, Ohio-based company's transmitter went online on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

WKRP added the thirteenth channel to its lineup and welcomed Twist to the family. The network launched on July 1, 2022, on 25.13.

Gray Television purchased WBQC-LD Channel 25. News broke in late September 2022 about the agreement. The closing occurred on November 21, 2022. Gray Television's local affiliate, WXIX FOX19, operates the channel.